Event Tree Analysis

Abstract

Event tree analysis is the technique used to define potential accident sequences associated with a particular initiating event or set of initiating events. The event tree model describes the logical connection between the potential successes and failures of defined safety systems or safety functions as they respond to the initiating event and the sequence of events. The event tree evaluation can be qualitative or quantitative or both. The evaluation is similar to the fault tree evaluation. Two general methods or approaches exist for the event tree linking process with the fault tree analysis. The small event tree and large fault tree approach are mostly used in nuclear industry in probabilistic safety assessment of nuclear power plants.